Honesty is the best policy...

I am quite aware of the fact that certain family members read this blog and also have an online presence (or can persuade some of my rl friends into talking) and will eventually find this out anyway. In the interest of total honesty (and in the safety of being free, American, over 21, and 2200 miles away), I will be the first to say this.

I am getting a tattoo.

I have been wanting one for several years now, but could never think of any particular image that I felt really suited me. Then, ever since this day back in October, one image has stayed with me. A phoenix. Rising from the ashes. A fresh start. A reminder that getting burned isn't the end, and that something beautiful and strong can come from it. Maybe it's a little grandiose, but it's really how I feel. I'm really truly rebuilding my life and I want that reminder for me now and in the future.

I decided that I would set aside only up to $5 a week for it, figuring that it would take about 8 months to save up enough for what I'd heard was a reasonable charge for one, and if I still wanted the tattoo enough to not have spent the money at that point, it wasn't just a fleeting whim. It took a little longer than I had wanted, but that gave me more time to think and be certain.

I'd also been spending the intervening months researching images to find one I liked, or liked enough to be able to work from. I'm actually not a huge fan of birds as a rule, so I knew pretty early on that it would be more of a stylized symbol (which I am a huge fan of) than an actual picture. Something a little "earthy" but still graceful. And something small and easily covered when necessary, but that could also be shown off appropriately (without dropping any clothing, for example). I've often admired Mrs. S's tattoos (she has some really pretty ones), so I asked her for a suggestion of where to go and who to talk to. She recommended the people at Copper Coffin, which, as it turns out, is just down the street.

I checked the place out today (not that I don't trust Mrs. S, but you know). It's extremely clean and bright and surrounded by other clean, bright businesses. The people who work there were very friendly, listened to what I wanted, and were very helpful. One of the ladies is going to do some drawings for me, and I'm really excited to go back on Thursday to see what she's come up with.

So, basically, this post is just to let everyone who might care know that I'm not trying to hide anything, and this is something that I've thought about carefully and for quite a while now. I'm actually really excited about it, and will post a pic of it when I can!